THUNDER BAY, ON--(Marketwire - October 10, 2008) - Benton Resources Corporation (TSX-V: BTC)
("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to report that its partner Marathon
PGM Corporation (Marathon) has provided a resource estimate on the BCF
property which adjoins and forms the northern extension of the Marathon
Copper and PGM deposit located near Marathon, Ontario.

The resource estimates for the BCF property as quoted from Marathon's (TSX: MAR) press release dated October 9th, 2008 are as follows:

The global resources are the resources not constrained by the pit shell.
They include the in pit resources as well those outside it. More favourable
economic conditions can result in some of this material now not in the pit
shell being included as economic conditions change for the better. This can
occur when capital costs are paid back and operating cost are reduced or
metal prices increase.

1. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be
materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal title, taxation,
socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.

2. The quantity and grade of reported inferred resources in this estimation
are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to
define these inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral
resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in
upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category.

Agreement Terms of the BCF Property

Under the terms of the OJVA, Benton will grant Marathon the option (the
"Option") to earn a 60% participating interest in the BCF Property by (i)
issuing Benton 120,000 common shares of Marathon on signing of the OJVA,
subject to regulatory approval (ii) completing Work Expenditures on the BCF
Property of $1.5 million per year during the first four Option years of
the OJVA and an additional $2 million on or before the fifth anniversary
and (iii) making cash payments of $500,000 per year on or before the
anniversary date of the OJVA for the first three years (for a total $1.5
million). During the term of the Option (the "earn-in period"), all work
will be supervised and carried out by Marathon. After Marathon has issued
the 120,000 shares, made the $1.5 million cash payments and spent the $8
million, Marathon will have earned a 60% in the BCF Property and the JV
will be formed with Marathon having a 60% interest and Benton a 40%
interest.

During the earn in period Marathon may mine up to 200 metres north of its
property into the BCF Property. If Marathon does mine any part of the BCF
Property prior to formation of the JV, Marathon will (i) pay all costs,
(ii) pay all underlying royalties owing on the BCF Property, (iii) pay an
additional 2% NSR royalty to Benton and receive all revenue.

After the JV is formed Marathon will be operator of the JV and it is agreed
that any project ore that is discovered on the BCF Property would be mined
and processed by Marathon at its facilities. Under the JV, Marathon will
charge the J.V for all direct, indirect and overhead costs including a pro
rata charge to recover its capital costs as well as a 4% management fee.

About Benton Resources Corp.:

Benton Resources Corp. (the "Company") is a mineral exploration company
listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BTC. Benton's
aggressive and experienced management team is focused on base and precious
group metal exploration. The Company's diverse property portfolio includes
Canadian projects which are highly prospective for gold, platinum,
palladium, nickel and copper. Benton currently has several significant
carried Joint Ventures with companies such as Teck Cominco Limited,
Stillwater Mining and Marathon PGM Corporation. Benton is currently trading
under its cash value with a market capitalization of approximately $12
million and $18.5 million cash in working capital.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain
information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking statements."
Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as
"plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate" and other
similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or
"will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and
estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject
to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause
actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are
not limited to those identified and reported in Management's Discussion and
Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2007. Circumstances or
management's estimates or opinions could change, and management disclaims
any obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements, whether for
new information, future events or otherwise. The reader is cautioned not to
place undue reliance on "forward-looking statements."

Reliance on Marathon PGM and Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this press release is a verbatim extract of
the press release issued by Marathon PGM Corporation. Although Benton
believes the information included in the press release to be generally
reliable, the data has not been independently verified and Benton does not
assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of such information.
Furthermore, as noted above in the verbatim extract, the press release may
contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable
securities laws. Such information includes the statements contained in the
verbatim extract regarding Marathon PGM's exploration and drilling plans,
plans to update the mineral resource and the estimation of mineral
resources and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking information. The risks include those that
are set out above in the verbatim extract and those contained in public
documents of Marathon PGM filed on SEDAR as well as the risks set out in
Benton's public documents including its management information circular and
quarterly and annual management's discussion and analysis. There is no
assurance that the forward-looking information contained in the press
release will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place
undue reliance on the forward-looking information.

All of the information contained in the press release is qualified by this
cautionary statement.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995.
Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties.